“I do?” She looked so surprised that Nick had to bite back another laugh.
“What do you think? Would you try it, at least?”
Willa looked out across the dining room, at those who had gathered for Christmas dinner. He could almost hear her imagining how many people she could help. “I’ll do it,” she said, bringing her gaze back to him.
“Wonderful!” They spent the remainder of dessert discussing plans for the practice, until Dr. Rousseau announced he had something to tell Willa.
“After much consideration, and after speaking with Amos and Leroy, we’ve decided to disband the medicine show.”
Nick’s eyes widened, but when he looked at Willa, she didn’t appear surprised at all. “What will you do?” he asked Dr. Rousseau.
“Well,” he said with a smile. “My dear daughter had a wonderful idea. She thought we might concentrate on the show and forget the medicines, and I do believe she was right. I spoke with Amos and Leroy, and we’re all in agreement. We’ll find some more acts and craft an all new show—Rousseau’s Magnificent Traveling Show.” He dropped the hand he’d held up to emphasize the name. “Well, the name is still under discussion.”
Willa clapped her hands together. “I think it’s wonderful, Papa.”
“I can see you didn’t opt to go with Rogers’ Magnificent Traveling Show,” Nick said with a grin.
“One thing at a time, son. You can’t expect an old man to change all his ways at once,” Willa’s father said with a twinkle in his eye. They launched into a lively discussion of what sort of acts the show might contain.
When dinner ended, Nick took Willa on a stroll about town. A soft blanket of snow covered the sidewalks and buildings, making the place look peaceful and festive. People walked here and there, everyone in good spirits and greeting each other. Even the saloons seemed less raucous and more respectful of the holiday.
Nick and Willa paused outside the Hearth and Home boardinghouse, the tree inside lit with candles. Nick had never felt more at peace. He’d found what he was looking for—a place that needed him. But even more than that, he’d found what he never knew he needed.
“Thank you,” he said to Willa, her hand safely tucked in his.
“For what?” she asked.
“For everything. For being you. For opening my eyes to see that people aren’t just good or bad. For loving me despite my insufferable ways.”
With that, she giggled and swatted him gently on the chest. “I do love you, Nick. And I can’t wait to marry you.”
“Nor can I.” He drew her to him and kissed the top of her head, just to the left of where her hat sat fashionably tilted to the side. “Would you like to go inside and wish your friends a merry Christmas?”
“I’d like that very much.” She pulled away and drew him with her through the door.
They were greeted with welcome smiles and offers of tea. Nick smiled as he watched Willa, happy with her friends.
This had been the best Christmas of his life, and he couldn’t wait to see how much better the holiday would be in the years to come.
*****
